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If your cat lives to explore and goes where no cat nose has gone before, he may be a Sagittarius cat. Your cat’s personality can be influenced by the stars.

The ninth astrological sign of the zodiac is in Sagittarius. These cats are born between Nov. 23 and Dec. 21 and ruled by Jupiter, the planet of luck and abundance. The color of Sagittarians is blue, and their element is fire. If you aren’t certain of your cat’s birthday, read this profile and see if it fits. Deeper understanding of cats leads to happier cats.

Adventurous and fiery like Aries and Leo, Sagittarius cats are full of energy and good cheer. They are a happy-go-lucky, tails-up kind of cat. They have a spring to their step and bounce to their pounce. Naturally gregarious party animals, they’ll be the first to welcome guests with ankle weaving and lap hopping. Charming, funny and fun, they are always up for adventure.

Historically cats have sailed the seven seas with explorers and pirates, and a Sagittarius kitty would have been a welcome addition to any ship. They are the best candidates for travel and even a trip to the vet won’t phase these curious critters. Make sure their cat carrier offers a good view and secure closures. If they don’t like being hemmed in by a carrier for car trips, they may prefer a secure harness that clips onto the seatbelt.

Hunting is this hunting cat’s No. 1 love and they are masters of the hunt, indoors or outdoors. And yes, they like to give you their prey "gifts," real or faux. Praise the mighty hunter lavishly and provide lots of interactive play with wand-type toys. They can be taught to play fetch.

If you have indoor-only cats, bird and squirrel TV is a favorite pastime. Make sure there are as many windowsill perches as possible for a variety of views. Placing bird feeders outside the window is a thrilling bonus.

Despite being loyal and friendly, Sagittarian cats like their freedom so don’t smother them or you’ll hear a rebel yell. They do best with pet parents who respect their need for space. If you don’t have a safe outdoor area, consider leash training your Sagi kitty to satisfy their hunger for wanderlust. They take to walking on a leash more easily than other signs.

They don’t like cramped quarters. Like restless Geminis, they’re the ones pacing in the cage at a shelter, meowing, "Get me out of here!" Give them plenty of space to run around indoors on multiple surfaces and heights. Include safe vertical space to explore or they will indulge in "knock the knickknacks off the shelf" game. Give them their own shelves for climbing or a tall kitty condo. DIY types can create an inexpensive kitty highway from wood shelves and metal brackets positioned at different heights spanning the length of one or more walls.

Curiosity mixed with an adventurous spirit can result in these cats wandering where they don’t belong, like closets, dishwashers, dryers, garages or neighbors’ garbage cans. Check drawers and doors so you don’t accidentally lock kitty inside. For cats who can’t resist sneaking out the door, teach basic commands of "come, sit and stand." Wandering outdoors can be deadly. Microchipping and smart ID tags are an excellent precaution. When I think of the nine-lives kind of luck, I think of good-natured, happy-go-lucky Sagittarius cats. They seem to happily land on their feet, but it’s up to their guardians to keep them safe and not tempt fate.

About the author: Layla Morgan Wilde is a holistic cat behaviorist, an award-winning writer/photographer and founder of the premier online magazine Cat Wisdom 101. A passionate advocate for cats, she founded the Toronto-based Annex Cat Rescue in 1997. In addition to her blogging at Cat Wisdom 101, she blogs at Boomer Muse and contributes to Petfinder.com and Nordic Spotlight. Wilde is a professional member of the Cat Writers’ Association. She lives in Westchester County, NY with four cats.